Reel World

Shoot Yer Eye Out

The KiMo Theatre gets in the Christmas mood this weekend with a screening of—what else?—A Christmas Story. This 1983 film, based on the writings of humorist Jean Shepherd, has become a must-watch holiday classic. It tells the story of young Ralphie Parker (Peter Billingsley), who dreams of receiving a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas—much to the displeasure of his parents. Of course, that’s just one incident in this warmly nostalgic look back at family life in ’40s. The film will screen Friday, Dec. 15, starting at 6pm. Admission is free. For more info go to kimotickets.com.

Cop an Attitude

If you’re an aspiring actor, odds are good you’re gonna spend a lot of time playing cops of one sort or another. Well, Phil Duran is a local Albuquerque actor who spent years working for the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Department. Now, he teaches classes on “Police Tactics for Actors.” The classes cover everything from training to movement to weapons handling. The idea is to give actors an advantage when auditioning for police roles in film and television. Duran is teaching a one-day workshop on Saturday, Dec. 16, from 9am to 4pm at Sol Acting Academy (5500 San Mateo Blvd. NE). Registration fees are $134.38 (including tax). For more information or to register, go to solacting.com.

Get Anime-ted

Albuquerque’s homegrown anime convention returns for a fifth year this weekend. Con-Jikan 2017 will be held at the MCM Eleganté Hotel (2020 Menaul Blvd. NE) on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 16 and 17. This pop-cultural festival focuses on the worlds of Japanese animation and gaming. Among the special guests this year are voice actresses Xanthe Huynh (“Yuki Yuna Is a Hero,” “Modoka Magica: Rebellion,” “Sword Art Online,” “Love Live!”) and Kira Buckland (“Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir,” “Accel World,” “Blue Exorcist,” “Love Live!”). Cosplay artists Cree Nicole and Kamon Tari will be on hand, looking fabulous and giving tips on costuming. YouTube-based Flash animator Kryssen Robinson of YowLife Productions will also be there, talking about his work and sharing some of his favorite animation. (Robinson’s feature-length animation Project: Split Figure had its premiere at the Guild Cinema.) There will, of course, be loads of Japanese animation screening throughout the weekend—including Mamoru Hosoda’s The Boy and the Beast and Ryoutarou Markihara’s The Empire of Corpses. Passes are $40 for the weekend, $30 for Saturday only and $25 for Sunday only. You can check out the entire schedule of screenings, panels and parties at con-jikan.com.